If you love a good mystery novel, you’ve probably read all the “Poirots,” and the “Miss Marples,” so here’s a few gems you might have missed or not picked off the shelf.

Remember too, the Cordova Public Library offers interlibrary loan services for books we may not have in our extensive collection but can ask to borrow from other libraries within the state of Alaska. There’s no cost to you the patron and we’re happy to learn what might be out there that we should add to our library shelves

If you love Arthur Conan Doyle's A Study in Scarlet…(or historical mysteries full of wit, astounding leaps of logic, and murder)

Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. KingDreaming Spies by Laurie R. KingTreachery at Lancaster Gate by Anne PerryThe Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth PetersSeeing a Large Cat by Elizabeth PetersWhiteout by Ken Follett

If you love Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code…(or thrill rides full of riddles, baffling clues, and menacing bad guys)

Black Order by James RollinsThe Bone by James RollinsThe Great Zoo of China by Matthew ReillyThe Bootlegger by Clive CusslerThe Eye of Heaven by Clive CusslerForeign Agent by Brad ThorCode of Conduct by Brad Thor

We hear a lot these days about ‘family engagement.’ So just what does that mean?For families, family engagement is about the knowledge, attitudes, values, and behaviors that enable children to be motivated, enthusiastic, and successful learners. For schools and libraries, family engagement means respectful partnerships that offer the information, guidance, and opportunities for families to be active in their children’s learning and development.

Family engagement is no longer just about how families are involved in schools—it is much broader. Children spend only 20% of their waking hours in school. Learning happens both in school and out of school - as “anywhere, anytime learning” – and children and youth thrive when they have opportunities to explore and discover their interests in a variety of spaces, including at home, in the community, and in public libraries.

For public libraries, family engagement is a natural next step in supporting children’s learning and development. At the Cordova Public Library we are continuing to strive to work with the community as a whole and provide a place for safe growth, conversation, and lifelong learning. Wander in and see how we are doing.

The first library in Cordova began as a “reading room” within the cozy walls of the Red Dragon. Rev. Eustace Ziegler thought it important to offer the men working on the Copper River and Northwest Railway proper recreational opportunities and ran an informal lending library in the clubhouse. “A fireplace in the center of the room was kept burning for cheer,” stated Ziegler.

Located on donated railroad property, the Red Dragon still stands as a testament to Ziegler’s efforts. In June of 1925 the women’s guild of St. George’s Episcopal Church opened the book collection to the public creating Cordova’s first public library. Since that time the library has occupied the Adams building and the Windsor Hotel before moving to the Centennial Building in 1971. In November 2015 the library moved to The Cordova Center, a spectacular multi-purpose facility designed to meet the needs of Cordovans well into the future!